Hunting

Best Climbing Tree Stand Reviews – My Top 5 Choices

In the modern world of big game hunting, the tree stand has certainly revolutionized the way we hunt. Specifically, portable deer stands have made it much more feasible for hunters to scout game and effectively hunt an area once the proper location has been determined.

Within the portable deer stand market there are a number of different industry segments. Some stands can be erected to completely support themselves and the hunter without a tree, these are often referred to as tripod or tower stands. Beyond the tripod stand, we narrow our focus down to the “tree” stand segment which includes stands that either hang on or are supported by a tree. Within this segment you’ll find ladder stands, hang-on stands and finally climbing stands.

In this article, I’m going to take a closer look at reviewing the best climbing tree stand including why you would want one, what to look for when buying as well as what are my choices for the best climbing tree stands.

best-climbing-tree-stand

 

Best Climbing Tree Stands – My Top 5

Lone Wolf Hand Climber Combo II

My first stand choice when it comes to the best climbing tree stand review is the Lone Wolf Hand Climber Combo II. Lone Wolf is a well known brand in the tree stand industry and they have a reputation for producing high quality products. The Hand Climber Combo II is a typical stand from Lone Wolf, which means it’s anything but typical compared to other tree stands.

Lone Wolf Hand Climber Combo II

Weighing in at just 17.5-pounds, this stand can be carried comfortably over great distances to even the most remote stand locations. It’s 5-inch carry profile also means it won’t get snagged on limbs or branches while making the trek to your stand. The Hand Climber Combo is one of those stands that gives up a little bit in comfort but delivers exceptionally in the portability and weight rating categories.

The stand features a lightweight and strong one-piece cast aluminum platform. Included are a bow holder and backpack straps along with a TMA approved fall arrest system. With a weight capacity of 350-pounds, you can be sure this stand will safely support you during the hunt.

The Lone Wolf Hand Climber Combo II tree stand is an excellent choice for hunters looking for maximum stealth and portability.

Summit Goliath SD Climbing Treestand

Next up is the Summit Goliath SD Climbing Treestand. This treestand from Summit combines a rock solid platform with all day comfort allowing you to sit longer and see more game.

The Goliath weighs in at 25-pounds which makes it heavier than some stands but still very portable. The suspended and foam-padded seat with backrest delivers a comfort level you will not find in many climbing tree stands. With a weight capacity of 350-pounds the Goliath is strong and secure.

Best Climbing Tree Stand Reviews

The Goliath also uses Summit’s DeadMetal technology which helps to reduce stand noise while hunting. Any experienced hunter knows that foreign sounds in the woods are a dead giveaway to game animals. By strategically injecting the stand with expanding foam, the Goliath reduces vibrations and stand noise allowing you to hunt quietly.

Other features on the Goliath include the QuickDraw cable retention system and RapidClimb Stirrups. The QuickDraw system is the fastest and quietest cable system on the market. The RapidClimb stirrups adjust to fit any boots and keep them securely attached to the platform. The Goliath attaches to the tree quickly and quietly allowing you to focus on hunting.

If you’re looking for maximum comfort in the tree stand and do not cover significant distances to and from your stand, the Goliath SD Climber from Summit is an excellent choice of tree stand.

Muddy Stalker Climber Treestand

The next stand that made our list is the Stalker Climber from Muddy Treestands. This lightweight and low profile stand is a great combination and makes an excellent choice for the minimalist hunter.

Weighing in at only 15-pounds, the Stalker stand is super lightweight and will not slow you down. This extreme level of portability allows the hunter to select stand locations way off the beaten path putting you in front of game animals that others simply cannot get to.

Muddy Stalker Climber Treestand

The design is quite simplistic with only a mesh seat and climbing bar combined with an ample and sturdy platform surface. The foot platform slats are coated in a non-slip material ensuring secure footing while climbing. I am a big fan of the nylon netted seat as it reduces bulk and weight from the stand while simultaneously adding comfort.

A slightly lower weight capacity of-300 pounds is worth mentioning but I can’t fault Muddy for this. The Stalker stand was designed for the physically fit hunter, looking for extreme portability and stealth. If this sounds like you, the Stalker from Muddy is a great choice of tree stand.

Summit Treestands Viper SD Climbing Treestand

Next to make the cut on this list of the best climbing tree stand is another offering from Summit Treestands, the Viper SD. The Viper utilizes many of the same features found in the Goliath mentioned earlier in this article, however it delivers them on a smaller scale.

Summit Treestands Viper SD Climbing Treestand

At 20-pounds, the Viper weighs a full 5-pounds less than the Goliath. The weight capacity has been dropped as well however it’s still rated at a considerable 300-pounds. The Viper also uses a full-perimeter frame allowing you to safely hunt while sitting or standing. This extra level of versatility is often critical to bow hunters as they need to maximize every shot opportunity within range.

Summit has not stripped any of the innovation from this stand as it includes DeadMetal quiet technology, QuickDraw cable system, RapidClimb stirrups and more. The Viper SD is another great climbing stand from Summit delivered in a smaller and less expensive package than the Goliath.

Lone Wolf Wide Sit & Climb Combo II

Finally, I have chosen the Lone Wolf Wide Sit & Climb Combo II to round up my post featuring the Top 5 Climbing Tree Stands. This stand from Lone Wolf is what I consider to be the pinnacle of not only comfort and quality but also portability and functionality. With that said, you’ll need to be prepared to pay a premium price for this all inclusive package.

Lone Wolf Wide Sit & Climb Combo II

The Lone Wolf Wide Combo combines a super comfortable, 21-inch wide foam seat pad with a full size, one-piece cast aluminum foot platform. On top of that, the Wide Combo stand from Lone Wolf packs down to a mere 4-inch carry profile allowing you to slip through the woods with this stand on your back. Weighing in at only 21-pounds, it is truly a challenge to find another stand that packs this kind of functionality into such a sleek and lightweight package.

For the hunter that is looking for the best of the best and isn’t afraid to pay for it, the Lone Wolf Wide Combo II is an excellent climbing tree stand.

Why A Climber?

The main advantage of a climbing tree stand is it’s portability when compared to other portable tree stand variations. A climbing tree stand offers the hunter the ability to attach his or her stand to the tree, often in just a few minutes, and then climb to the desired height of the tree and begin hunting immediately. Virtually no other tree stand is as simple to setup and begin hunting out of as a climbing tree stand.

A climber is great for someone who hunts public lands and wants to sneak in and out of the woods without leaving a trail or trace of his or her activity. Most climbers can be comfortably carried on the back of the hunter and are taken in and out of the woods each day. This feature gives the hunter a level of stealth that would otherwise not be possible.

Another great feature of the climbing tree stand variation is the ability of the hunter to adjust the height of the stand accordingly. On other stands such as ladder stands or tripod stands the height of the stand has been predetermined by the manufacturer. Yet, as any experienced hunter knows, each situation and stand location is different, which requires the hunter to approach each situation in a unique way. A given stand location may require the hunter to hunt higher in the tree to provide the best shooting angles and visuals of the area. Another stand location however, may allow the hunter to use the natural elevation of the terrain to his or her advantage which would allow for a lower stand height. By using a climbing tree stand, the hunter has the flexibility to determine the best stand height.

For the serious hunter that wants maximum portability and maximum stealth; and for the hunter who chooses to hunt where no other hunter will go, the climbing stand is the only way to go.

What To Look For?

When purchasing a climbing tree stand, I tend to consider a number of different components. The first is quality. After all, your life could depend on the safety of the tree stand and accompanying safety harness so you want to be sure these are second to none. Also, tree stands are often used in some of the toughest outdoor conditions for prolonged periods of time. Exposure to the elements is a given for any tree stand. As a result, if the materials are not made to last, the stand could break down or deteriorate over time possibly putting the quality of your hunt and your own safety in jeopardy.

The second component I look for while deciding on the best climbing tree stand is the weight and portability of the tree stand. If I’m hunting a stand location that is easy to get to and I do not need to remove my stand from the woods at the end of each hunt I will probably use a different type of tree stand. Because climbing tree stands are often used under special circumstances where the stand needs to be removed from the woods each day, I want the stand to be lightweight, durable and comfortable to carry. If I have chosen a stand location deep into the woods, I’ll want a stand that has a low profile when folded up on my back so I can sneak into the woods and make as little noise as possible.

Additionally, comfort is something you’ll want to consider. Hunting often requires long days of sitting in tree stands where comfort can become extremely important. The longer you can sit in your stand, the better your chances of taking game. With respect to climbing tree stands, comfort often comes at either a premium or a compromise. Often times, a manufacturer can add comfort to a stand by adding padding to the seat or a back rest, however that also adds weight to the stand. The lightest weight and most portable stands often have very minimalist seating areas. If you’re looking for a stand that has both a high level of comfort and a low overall weight you’ll need to be willing to pay for that.

Finally, the ease of operation and attachment of the stand to tree is important. Most companies have this part of the stand figured out quite well, however some do it better than others. When time is of the essence and your hunt depends on it, you’ll want to spend more time sitting in the stand than you do setting it up.

Conclusion – Best Climbing Tree Stand Reviews:

Hopefully after reading this article you have a better understanding of climbing treestands as well was what to look for when purchasing one.

As you found out, the climbing tree stand is a highly engineered and technical piece of equipment for the serious hunter. Climbing stands are not for everyone however. If you hunt private land and have the ability to haul larger stands into permanent hunting areas you might be better served with a tripod or ladder stand.

However, if you find yourself most often hunting public lands that require you to remove your tree stand after each hunt you’ll likely best be served by a climbing tree stand. Also, if you hunt remote locations that require long hikes to get to, a climbing stand might be just what you’re looking for.

Always take into consideration the compromise of comfortability and portability when purchasing a climbing tree stand. If you’re looking for the lightest and most comfortable stands you will certainly pay a premium however you will very likely benefit from this decision in the field.

Finally, always purchase your tree stand from a reputable and trusted manufacturer as saving a few dollars on a tree stand will never be worth compromising your own safety. Additionally, it is often required that all tree stands be sold with an approved safety harness or fall-arrest system. These harnesses are meant to stop you from falling out of the tree in the event of a tree stand malfunction. It is important to always wear your safety harness while hunting from your treestand.

Best Field Dressing Knife – Top 3 & Detailed Review

My Top 3 Choices for the Best Field Dressing Knife – Introduction

When asked the question, what is the most important part of the hunt? Most people will likely respond with the actual killing or taking of game. An argument could be made however, that the most important part of the hunt is the step that immediately follows the taking of game. That step is field-dressing.

As a hunter all my life, I have come to know the importance of field dressing and how critical it is to the process of taking game from the field and putting it on your table. When it comes to field dressing, there is one tool a hunter or survivalist simply cannot do without and that tool is a great knife.

In this article I’m going to look at three of my top choices for a field dressing knife. The three knives selected were chosen for a combination of factors including, price, blade, grip and functionality.

Not only will these knives help you make quick work of downed game, they will also provide you with a solid and sturdy blade for a variety of other uses. I’m sure I don’t need to explain the importance of a having a good knife or two in a survival situation. For the purpose of this article, you can be confident than any of these knives will serve you well.

What To Look For:

Briefly, I’d like to mention a few things to look for when purchasing a field dressing knife.

First, a good knife needs to be quality-built and durable. Mainly, I’m looking for a knife that uses high quality and corrosion-resistant materials. Rust on a blade does us no good when cleaning game and it also destroys the structural integrity of the blade.

Secondly, a good knife should have an excellent grip. Field dressing an animal can get messy and it’s likely your knife will be covered with blood, hair and moisture from the process. A sure grip helps you to make better cuts and makes sure you do not cut yourself.

Lastly, I look for functionality in a knife. Most knives don’t have a lot of bells and whistles, however there are a few. Things like folding blades, a gut hook and a god sheath can all add considerable value to any particular blade.

Top 3 Field Dressing Knives for the Money:

1. Gerber Moment Fixed Blade Knife

First up, I’ve chosen the Gerber Moment Fixed Blade Knife. As the name suggests, this is a fixed blade knife and it comes with a sheath. Gerber has been in the knife-making business for a long time, and they know how to produce a quality product.

Best Field Dressing Knife - Gerber Moment Fixed Blade Knife

The Moment Knife delivers a simplistic design that flat out functions. For the simplicity, you will pay a lower price and at less than $30, this knife is a great value.

The Moment utilizes a full tang construction which simply means that the blade travels all the way through the handle. This puts one solid piece of metal in your hands and allows for greater feel and strength of blade.

The textured rubber handle provides excellent grip and the glass bead finished blade will take and hold an sharp edge through repeated use.

Again, the Moment knife from Gerber is a simple tool, but it is one that does its job and does it well.

2. Buck Knives 0863BRS Selkirk Survival Knife

Next up, I’ve chosen the Selkirk Survival Knife from Buck Knives. This knife is also manufactured by a company that has been in the business for a long time. The Selkirk serves as an excellent field-dressing knife with it’s drop point blade, but it doubles as an essential survival tool with the included ignitor and whistle.

Buck Knives 0863BRS Selkirk Survival Knife

A custom designed, injection molded nylon sheath secures your knife and allows for horizontal or vertical carry. Also included and attached to the sheath is a Ferrocerium striker for starting fires and a whistle integrated into the grip. A textured and contoured grip combined with a full tang construction ensures smooth handling and excellent feel with the Selkirk knife. Last but not least, the rear bolster, or butt-end of the knife has been flattened and strengthened to allow for use as an improvised hammer.

The added features and functionality of the Selkirk knife make this an excellent survival tool. You can rest-assured this knife will field dress game and in a pinch, it might even save your life.

3. Outdoor Edge FZB-20 Flip n’ Blaze Knife

Lastly, I have chosen the Flip n’ Blaze Knife brought to you by Outdoor Edge. Outdoor Edge is a company that has made a name for itself in the butchering and game processing industry. They have a reputation for designing unique and functional knives that do the job well and always come with a razor sharp edge, right out of the box.

Outdoor Edge FZB-20 Flip n' Blaze Knife

The Flip n’ Blaze knife delivers on Outdoor Edge’s promise and even comes with two separate blades. What makes this knife you unique is the folding two-blade system. The traditional drop-point blade is excellent for field dressing game, skinning and butchering. The secondary gutting blade allows you to use a separate blade for opening up the hide and gutting animals.

During the gutting process, the knife normally comes into contact with lots of fur which can be dulling to the blade. With the Flip n’ Blaze, after the animal has been opened, up you can switch to the standard blade in order to finish the job with a sharp edge.

Also, the Flip n’ Blaze combines a unique folding design to save you space in your hunting or survival pack. The reinforced and fully enclosed sheath protects your knife from the elements, while the air vent keeps it dry and rust-free.

If you’re looking for a solid and sturdy knife that you can take anywhere and do just about anything with, the Flip n’ Blaze will serve you well.

Best Hunting Bows under 500 Dollars

My Top 3 Choices of the Best Hunting Bows under 500 Dollars

While I’m primarily biased towards hunting knives, I also use a hunting bow sometimes as it’s a good survival or hunting skill to learn. I am a person who loves the green forest and barren wilderness just for the sake of being in, and near nature. Imagine doing a 3-day tramp through the wilderness; living in nature, walking, and breathing the unpolluted air in an ethereal environment that is mostly undisturbed by man-made objects and sounds. My idea of heaven.

While I am tramping along, my stomach reminds me of food that it needs so I can have energy to continue my walk through the wilderness. I can build a fire easily as I have my trusty axe to cut, chop and split different types of wood and plenty of water is accessible in the multitude of lakes and streams that criss-cross the forest.

Before I hunt and provide venison for myself, I am in the process of hunting myself a trusty hunting bow. After checking out a few of those that are available and based on my usage experience, I have narrowed down my choices to the following three.

My 3 Picks for the Best Hunting Bows Under $500

My top 3 choices would be the Genesis Original Bow, Southland Archery Supply SAS Rage, and the Barnett Vortex Youth in that order. We will briefly go through some features, pros, and cons of all three of the bows together to understand why they are among the top-rated hunting in 2017.

#1 – Genesis Original Bow

This is my #1 choice as it is a bow that though, has been designed with young users in mind, it is easily adjustable for use by an adult like me. The amazing draw precision and a design that reduces any tuning or recoil issues, fits the needs of both beginners and advanced adults alike. Users of this equipment agree that this bow is well-made and performs as expected.

Genesis Original Bow

Pros

  • This bow is adjustable as per user needs as the young person grows in height, weight, and strength.
  • This well-built bow is easily customizable and its outstanding characteristic is ease of use
  • The Genesis is very durable as individual components are precision crafted from strong raw material
  • Costs around $155 and is value for money

Cons

  • Some owners of this bow have issues with less number of accessories being sold with the original product.

#2 –  Southland Archery Supply SAS Rage

If my #1 choice, the Genesis Original Bow was not available for some reason, then this would be my second choice. The SAS Rage is a great bow for beginner archers to learn the ropes, but can be used as a weapon for shooting too.

Budding archers will find this weapon extremely helpful to master their sport because of its high quality, durability, and reliability.

Best Hunting Bows under $500 - Southland Archery Supply SAS Rage

Pros

  • Excellent autumn camouflage colour lets beginners get the thrill form the hunt as the game cannot detect them. Very good for the surprise element in hunting.
  • Draw weights can be decreased or increased by simply just loosening or tightening one bolt. The compressed ABS limbs provide long life.
  • Lightweight at 4.4 lbs, easy to carry even by novices
  • Super accurate with a maximum speed of 270 feet per second
  • Very suitable for hunting and very good for beginners

Cons

  • Manufacturer name not well known but the bow deserves a fair personal assessment based on its merits and not its manufacturer

#3 – Barnett Vortex Youth

In the rare circumstance of both my choices above not being available for whatever reason, my last choice would be the Barnett Vortex Youth bow.

The Vortex bow has been selected, as among the best hunting bows in 2017, as Barnett is one of the most popular brands in this product category. Though light in weight, it is very strong in performance that is comparable to that of the full bows from Barnett, that are heavier in weight.

Barnett Vortex Youth

Pros

  • Solid construction
  • High shooting accuracy
  • Adheres to ATA / AMO standards
  • Basic package includes a quiver and three arrows as standard
  • Designed by specialists
  • 5-year warranty against technical defects

Cons

  • The Quiver wears out on prolonged use but durable versions of the quiver can be purchased separately
  • This bow is not for sale in certain US zip codes

Conclusion

As I have said earlier, before I hunt and provide any game meat for myself during my next tramp through the wilderness, I will be buying for myself a Genesis Original Bow with relevant accessories to facilitate hunting and satisfy one of my basic human physiological needs.

Best Hunting Knife under $200

A Detailed Review Analysis for the best hunting knives priced less than dollar 200

This article will help you to make definite decision on best hunting knife priced less than 200 dollars which will suit your needs. There are different kinds of hunting & outdoor knives available but getting into the little details will help you make the right choice. I have tried to summarise it in best possible manner taking into consideration the different needs of a hunter from a practical angle.

You will be rest assured regarding the benefits of knives as these are tried by hunting experts and the detailed reviews are there to help make your decision a little more easier. Also, wherever possible, I’ve tried to include an ongoing Amazon deal to get you some lucrative prices and offers.

I hope the below mentioned details will address the needs of both traditional and new age hunters. So without further ado, let’s move on to our list.

1. CDS-Survival MOVA-58 Stainless Steel Outdoor, Survival, Hunting Knife

#1 on my list of the best hunting knife under $200 is the CDS-Survival MOVA-58 which is a make that you can trust even with so many competing options available around. It is a handmade knife made in Spain and is a cut above the rest.

cds-survival-mova-58-stainless-steel

This knife is made of stainless steel and cocobolo wood handle and is a popular choice among hunters and is one of the best survival knives available today. This knife has proven to be the most preferred one when you are camping or taking part in any military endeavours. It can cut through the hardest tree branch with its razor sharp edge.

The leather work on the sheath is gorgeous and outstanding. If you feel the need to start a fire, the knife has 90 degree blade spine which will lite up wood with a lot of spark with the help of ferro rod that comes along with the tool.

Advantages

– Perfect choice for cleaning and skinning game

– Blade sharpness retention is superb

– Blade can be easily sharpen

– Sheath is high quality leather made

– Finish of knife and sheath are outstanding

– Fire starter is great

Disadvantages

– Sharpening stone is a bit short

– The leather retention strap has a button tight closure

– Knife is handmade so you may get an imperfect blade but knife can be sent back in case this happens.

Key Specs and Features:

Blade Length – 5.70 inches

Overall length – 10.82 inches

Blade thickness – 0.20 inches

Handle – Cocobolo wood; comes with Genuine leather sheath/ Sharpener stone/ Firesteel

2. Buck Knives 401 Kalinga Fixed Blade Knife

The Kalinga is one of the best Buck models and that’s why it makes it to this list of the Top 10 hunting knives under 200 dollars. It has an ergonomic design with a large skinner blade and looks quite elegant and beautiful with a superb rosewood and brass guard handle.

It remains one of the top choice for hunters as a skinning tool or as a collectible because of its exclusive and elite design. The Buck standard blade material approaches the wear resistance of high carbon alloys and delivers the corrosion resistance of chromium stainless steel.

Best hunting Knife under 200 dollars

The knife is best suited for skinning game thanks to the blade design. The knife has narrow tip and wide curved belly which is used in getting through thick layers and gives a nice skinning sweep. You can’t make an accidental slice with the downward angled blunt point.

While buying a skinning knife it is important to note the key features i.e. size of the knife, the design of the blade, the type of grind the blade has and the type of steel from which the blade is constructed. You can make the choice by keeping these aspects into consideration.

Disadvantage:

– Trailing point design is more purpose specific than either drop points or clip points hence it may not appeal to the large majority of hunters.

Key Specs and Features:

Blade – 4.3 inches upswept skinner, 420 HC stainless steel blade

Thickness – 0.180 inches

Length – 10 inches overall

Weight – 11.2 ounce

Sheath – Genuine Leather

Made in USA

3. Benchmade Hunt 15016 Hidden Canyon Hunter Fixed Blade

Benchmade hunting knives are made after lot of research and that’s why the name has made its reputation in the marketplace over the years because of quality of its products. Benchmade products come with limited warranty period and lifetime service to ensure the sharpness of the blade.

benchmade-hunt-15016-hidden-canyon-hunter-fixed-blade

The 15016 Canyon Hunter is a technologically advanced hunting knife built from advanced materials which are usually used in surgical equipments and spaceships. It is good in performance and is durable and saves a lot of space as it is compact in size. It fits in your hand perfectly and gives you a spectacular grip.

The blade has a modified clip-point made of CPM – S30V premium stainless steel while the handle is made of Dymonwood or G10.

Key Specs & Features:

Blade length – 2.67 inches

Blade material – S30V Premium stainless steel

Blade Hardness – 58-60 HRC

Sheath – Leather with Dymonwood / Kydex for G10 handle version

Blade style – Modified clip point

Lock mechanism – Fixed

Overall length – 6.32 inches

Weight – 3.41oz

Made in USA

Advantages:

– Blade sharpness

– Length of the handle and blade are perfect

– Can be used for wide variety of applications

– Material is of premium quality

– Finish is superb

– Overall quality

– It is one of the best knives for skinners with its compact design

Disadvantage:

– The knife might be a bit small for large people

– Sheath can be a problem

Overall, the knife is a premium one that offers both style and functionality for outdoorsmen and hunting activities. The handle design of the knife gives you more flexibility and convenience.

4. Buck Knives 124 Frontiersman Fixed Blade Knife

Buck is an American manufacturer and the company has been credited in inventing the folding hunting knife. The company is known for its quality makes and for Buck, hunting is a tradition which comes with lifetime warranty. The Frontiersman is a classic knife with an overall sleek look and has a beautiful Micarta handle.

420HC steel is standard material used for making Buck knives as the material increases the wear resistance due to high carbon alloys while delivering corrosion resistance thanks to chromium stainless steel.

buck-knives-124-frontiersman-fixed-blade-knife

Advantages:

– It comes with an elite design, Black Mirata handle and genuine leather sheath

– It is durable and can be easily sharpened

– It can be used for various applications

– The blade can be used for heavy duty tasks because of its sharpness

– Comes with a lifetime Buck warranty

Disadvantages:

– Not an excellent one when it comes to chopping related task

– It has a slippery handle as the grip is not rubberised

Key Specs and features:

– Blade length – 6.25 inches

– Overall length – 11.75 inches

– Blade Steel – 420 HC stainless steel

– Weight-  13.3 ounce

– Handle material – Black micarta handle

– Sheath material – Genuine leather

– Made in USA knife

Overall, the knife has a combination of superior corrosion resistance along with durability and strong wear resistance. It is a reliable hunting knife and can be used for diverse applications. With its ergonomic design and sharp blade, the knife is definitely value for money.

5. ISAK-Black Survival, Hunting, Tactical, SWAT, Commando Israeli Army

Well, we’re almost half way through this list that features the Top 10 hunting knives under 200 dollars and what we have here is one of the best military survival knives in the market.

The ISAK survival hunting knife is made by veterans of the Israeli Army Special Forces and is great for use in the working outdoors. It is the ultimate military knife and was primarily designed by the forces for the use of commando, SWAT teams and infantry units. The handle of the knife has a perfect grip as the surface is made rough by seemingly scratching it.

isak-black-survival-hunting-tactical-swat-commando-israeli-army

Advantages:

– Brand name – ISAK is state of the art army knives manufacturer

– Manufacturing is based on decades of experience which ensures the quality of the

– knife

Disadvantage:

– the Sheath might be a concern to some as it is made of plastic

Key Specs & Features:

– Overall length – 11.7 inches

– Blade length – 6.7 inches

– Blade thickness – 0.21 inches

– Blade type – plain edge, clip point

– Blade Finish – Titanium

– Blade material – stainless steel  grade 440C

– Handle length – 5 inches

– Handle material – G10 fiberglass based laminate

– Sheath- Made of plastic black in colour

– Knife weight – 1 ounce

The ISAK Black survival knife is reasonably priced and almost all the people I know who have bought it, seem extremely happy with the performance so far.

6. Spyderco Nilakka G-10 Plain Edge Knife

The Spyderco Nilakka has been designed by Pekka Tuominen, who is an award winning Finnish knife-maker. He is a Finnish Ministry of Education certified “master bladesmith” who takes immense pride in personally crafting knife details and sheaths. The Nilakka is the result of translating traditional Finnish Puukko to a contemporary folding knife.

The Nilakka G-10 uses high quality materials and is tested for its durability and quality. The handle of knife is built on a framework of full length stainless steel liners which also provide structure for its Walker Liner Lock mechanism. The Stainless steel back spacer is used to join the liners which are then covered with machined G10 scales that create a cross section which is the hallmark of a traditional puukkoo design. There is also a deep pocket clip support on the right side which makes Nilakka a true pocket puukko that is convenient for you to carry.

spyderco nilakka review

The knife blade is made from CPM S30V stainless steel which features full flat ground bevels that flow smoothly into zero – ground cutting edge. It creates a unique Scandia grind which offers exceptional cutting performance along with superb edge geometry.

Advantage:

– The unique design of the knife which is suited for hunting purposes

Disadvantage:

– There might be a slight concern regarding durability which can be addressed by applying a secondary edge bevel and just grinding until the edge thickens enough to prevent damage.

Key Specs & Features:

– Overall length – 8.13 inches

– Closed length – 4.62 inches

– Blade Thickness – 0.177 inches

– Blade length – 3.51 inches

– Edge length – 3.34 inches

– Blade Material – CPM S30 V Stainless steel

– Weight – 5 ounce

– Walker liner lock mechanism

– Deep ride pocket clip

Overall, the Nilakka G 10 is a truly extraordinary outdoor knife that is a combination of function, design and age old Finnish tradition turned into a contemporary cutting knife that is priced at less than 200 dollars.

7. Cold Steel XL Recon 1 Tanto Point Plain Edge

#7 on my list of the best hunting knife under $200 is a tactical folding knife. The Cold steel Recon 1 series is known for its high performance folding knives that are hard to beat.

They are known for their strength and reliability since many years and is popular among US Military, Law enforcement personnel, Fire and Rescue crews who prefer and appreciate this hardworking dependable tool for any task.

The Recon series is available in 4 different blade lengths of 2, 3, 4 and 5.5 inches and every facet of their construction has been designed to make them as strong and durable as possible. The series has different sets of knives which can be used for different purpose as per your need.

cold-steel-xl-recon-1-tanto-point-plain-edg

Advantages:

– The Carpenter CTS alloy steel has very impressive edge holding abilities.

– The Blade has extra fine uniform grain structure which outperforms its other counterparts.

Key Specs & Features:

– XL Recon 1 TANTO Point plain edge

– Blade materials – U.S. made carpenter CTS XHP alloy steel with DLC coating

– Overall length – 31.1 cms approx

– Blade length – 14cms

– Blade thickness – 4mm

– Handle – 17.1 cm, G 10 grip

– Ambidextrous pocket/belt clip

– Weight – 263gm

The Recon 1 series continues to set the standard for tactical folding knives and these utility blades have earned a reputation of strength and reliability over a period of time. The knife is thin, light and has a razor like sharpness. It is also equipped with a world renowned tri-ad lock which makes it impervious to shock and keeps you safe. The XL Recon is a beastly cutting powerful knife which will surely not disappoint you with its performance.

8. Buck Knives 65 Hood Punk Fixed Blade Survival Knife

The Buck 65 Hood punk is an extremely light knife used for camping or adventure and within its own category, it is the lightest of all used for camping, survival and hiking. The knife is handy and is one of the best utility tools for any kind of outdoor adventure.

The blade of the knife is made with 5160 power coated steel which is significantly harder, more durable and tougher as compared to normal steel. However, the blade is vulnerable to rust in humid climatic conditions or if used in water. The blade has a classic tip design and is wide at belly area which makes it an ideal knife for slicing, whittling, preparing food and feathering.

buck-knives-65-hood-punk-fixed-blade-survival-knife

The handle of the knife is hollow layered with Micarta scales. It has a shock mitigation system which allows effortless heavy use along with comfortable grip. The finger coil and thumb ramp gives a snug hold.

The sheath comes with a big external front pocket for the fire starter, sharpening stone and mini survival kit. Also, it is MOLLE compatible and sturdy made of nylon. Blade can be put in two ways – it can either be fastened around the leg or it can be used along with a Velcro system to affix it to the belt.

Advantages

– Very light

– Ultra sharp

– Excellent edge holding

– Durable

– Balanced weight

– Great grip

Disadvantage

– Price is little on higher side

Key Specs and Features:

– Dimensions- 2.8 x 2.2 x 13.2 inches

– 6.4 oz of weight

– Made in USA

– Overall length – 11 inch

– Blade length – 5.62 inch

– Blade coating – 5160 steel with powdery finish

– Lifetime warranty

Overall the knife is ultra light, high in quality and precision. It is also used as a multi function tool which can be used for different outdoor uses. The edge retention and toughness of blade makes it an unbeatable survival and hunting knife.

9. SOG Specialty Knives & Tools AG01-L Agency Knife

Making its’ way in at #9 on my list of the best hunting knife under 200 dollars is the SOG Specialty Knives & Tools AG01-L Agency Knife. SOG is known for its tradition of recreating and modernising historic designs and for this particular hunting blade, the original was made in secrecy by CIA operatives in the early days of the Vietnam war. It was designed keeping in mind clandestine and counters insurgency teams and is a true reproduction of the weapon which was used in that era.

The SOG agency knife comes with a sheath to protect the blade and a sharpening stone which is used to restore the sharpness of the blade when used over a period of time. The knife is light weight and is convenient to use and can be used to cut multiple things at home & the outdoors as the knife comes with a sharp edge. Apart from that, it can be used during camping trips to perform small tasks.

sog-specialty-knives-tools-ag01-l-agency-knife

The knife is made of AUS – 8 steel with an attractive satin finish. The 7.5 inch straight edge, fixed blade comes with a clip point shape which can be sharpened easily and makes quick work of any task. The handle of the knife is ergonomically designed; it is brown in colour and is made of epoxy filled leather washers which give it a natural look.

Advantages

– Blade sharpness

– Great Design

– Overall high quality

– Certificate of limited run of 1000 pieces – a collector’s knife

Disadvantage

– Sheath might not appeal to some

Key Specs and features:

– Blade type – clip point which is used for wide range of applications

– Dimensions –  18 x 3 x 3 inches

– Overall length – 12.68 inches

– Blade thickness – 0.15 inches

– Weight – 9.6 ounces

– Blade length – 7.5 inch

– Handle Finish – Satin

SOG knives are created under the supervision of company founder and chief engineer and the knives are known for their innovation, dependability, unique futuristic design and uncompromising style. The SOG designs have been acknowledged awarded worldwide and that’s one of the reasons why these knives perform flawlessly in the toughest and most adverse conditions which have also won them favour among law enforcement, industrial consumers and military.

10. Benchmade Knife 15031-2 North Fork Folder Wood

The Benchmade 15031-2 North Fork hunting knife is a compact AXIS folding knife with a lock mechanism that is very secure and positive. It has a recurved blade to assist with processing duties and because the design is result of R&D lab tests and research projects, the knife is made with advanced technology material which is used in spaceships and surgical equipments.

The Benchmade 15031 North Fork is perfect for everyday carry because of its great size. It has a short blade which is more popular nowadays in comparison to traditional knives. and offers a lot of advantages especially when you are working blind inside a cavity.

benchmade-knife-15031-2-north-fork-folder-wood

The Handle is made from dymonwood material which is moisture resistant and it won’t swell. What I really liked about the design is that it has a nicely curved, hand fitting form with a deep finger cutout below the lock and a front flare which provides good grip and control and prevents hand slipping down to blade.

The Blade is made of full stainless steel to protect against wear & tear and has a drop point shape which is ideal for hunting.  The cutting edge of the North fork is as long as it is possible to fit on blade. The edge of the blade is wide, almost flat grind and has a slight recurve before it arcs up to the point.

Advantages

– Blade material is one of the best in the industry

– Ease of use

– Blade sharpness

– Perfect for everyday carry

Disadvantage

– Blade thickness near the tip might disappoint some but that’s mainly because it’s a drop point blade which has greater strength

– the short length of blade thumb studs might not be preferred but this can be ignored as it does not hamper the knife performance in any way

Key Specs and features

– Blade length – 2.7 inch

– Blade thickness – 0.114 inch

– Handle thickness- 0.530 inch

– Handle material – Dymonwood

– Blade material – S30 V premium stainless steel

– Blade Hardness – 58-60 HRC

– Blade style – Modified drop point

– Pocket clip – stainless steel

– Lock mechanism – AXIS

– Overall length – 6.87 inch

– Closed length- 3.90 inch

– Weight – 3.4 ounce

– Made in USA

More Hunting Knives Under $200?

It is extremely important to get yourself a good survival knife, as it can often be the difference between life and death in the wild outdoors. I’m pretty sure the above list will help you narrow down your search for the best hunting knife under the 200 dollar price range.

However, because of the various options available in the market, I might have missed out a few. If that’s the case, please do let me know and I’ll try and update this list from time to time.

 

Best Hunting Knife under 100 Dollars

A detailed search for the best hunting knife under $100

If you’ve ever tried searching for a great hunting tool but are overwhelmed by the different types of knives in the market, then this post on finding the best hunting knife under 100 dollars is perfect for you. I’ve been in your situation before but after numerous years of hunting and survivalist experience, I’ve handpicked my list of the Top 10 hunting knives that cost less than $100.

Remember, each of these knives has been personally tested by me or a fellow hunting expert, so you’re definitely going to be getting the best bang for your buck. Some of these hunting tools are even below the $50 range thanks to the amazing deals that Amazon runs from time to time.

However, if you’re short of time and don’t want to take the trouble of going through the entire list, then simply go with my #1 choice for the best hunting knife as given below:

1. Knife King “Emperor” Custom Damascus Handmade Hunting Knife

First up on my list of the best hunting knives under $100 is the Knife King “Emperor” Custom Damascus Handmade Hunting Knife. This razor sharp, rock solid hunting blade has a hardness of 58-60 on the HRC scale and has over 200 layers of damascus steel. The blade length is a good 8 inch while the handle is approximately 5.25 inches long.

Best hunting knife under $100

The hilt and sub hilt design is great and the walnut grips are a pleasure to work with. The blade is real Damascus steel with a TUF Glide coating on top. The sheath that comes along with the knife is also of a great quality and one look at it will have you hooked to this hunting blade.

All in all, a great knife to choose for hunting especially if your budget is less than 100 dollars!

Key Specs & Features:

Blade: 8 inch length, 0.3125 inch thickness, 15N25 & 1075 Damascus steel, 58-60 HRC

Handle: 5.25 inch length, comes with a sheath

Weight: 12 ounces

2. Buck Knives 0103 Skinner Fixed Blade Knife

I’ve been a long time admirer of the Buck Knife Company because they truly make some great hunting & survival knives and the 0103 Skinner is definitely top on that list. Made from 420 HC steel, the 0103 Skinner is 4 inch long skinning blade with a black phenolic handle and comes with a pommel guard. Another great selling point about this knife is that it is Made in the USA so it’s a great way to support your country.

Buck Knives 0103 Skinner Fixed Blade Knife

I’ve skinned multiple pigs using the 103 and have rarely had to touch up the knife post skinning which just goes to show you how great this is performance wise. It’s a must have in your hunting kit and at a price point of less than $50, this one is great value for money.

Key Specs & Features:

Blade: 4 inch length, 0.120 inch thickness, 420 HC steel with narrow tip, Made in USA

Handle: 4.25 inch length, black phenolic handle with pommel

Weight: 4.3 ounces

3. KA-BAR Fighting/Utility Serrated Edge Knife

3 rd up on this list of the Top 10 Hunting Knives under 100 dollars is the KA-BAR Fighting Utility Serrated Edge Knife. I’ve been using this 7 inch long 1095 Cro Van steel blade for quite a few years at various hunting expeditions and it has never let me down.

It comes with a Kydex sheath and locks securely into it. Mine didn’t come out fully sharp out of the box so I did have to sharpen it just a bit but that’s not a big deal. Some people did tell me that the grip becomes slippery during wet conditions but I’ve never really faced any issue so far – in fact, I quite like the grip!

KA-BAR Fighting Utility Serrated Edge Knife

It comes with serrations which give it extra utility especially while creating wood shavings for campfires. All in all, it’s a great hunting tool to own and at under $60, it’s a no brainer really.

Key Specs & Features:

Blade: 7 inch length, 20 degrees edge angle, 1095 Cro Van steel fixed blade, HRC 56-58

Handle: 4.125 inch length, Kraton handle with sheath

Weight: 11.2 ounces

4. Buck 192BR Vanguard Fixed Blade Knife

Another Buck on this list; this time it’s the 192BR Vanguard Fixed Blade Knife. This 4.125 inch long Drop point blade has one of the best edge retentions I’ve ever seen in a hunting blade and thanks to the 420HC steel, the strength of the knife is also excellent.

Buck 192BR Vanguard Fixed Blade Knife

If you’re an outdoor hunting enthusiast or a big game hunter, then this blade is perfect for you. The handle is walnut coloured and contoured with a polished brass butt that is a boon when it comes to field dressing. It also is a Made in USA knife covered under the Buck Lifetime Warranty.

The 192BR Vanguard is perfect for all your outdoor activities including camping, fishing, hiking and hunting and is also priced extremely reasonably at less than $100.

Key Specs & Features:

Blade: 4.125 inch length, 420 HC steel fixed blade, Made in USA knife

Handle: 4.125 inch length, Walnut contoured with brass butt and leather sheath

Weight: 6.3 ounces

5. Kershaw Ken Onion Blur Folding Knife

Another one of my old favourites makes it to this list of the best hunting blades under 100 dollars and this time it’s the Kershaw Ken Onion Blur Folding Knife. This is one of the rare times that I endorse a folding knife but the Ken Onion with its Speed Safe option and Sandvik 14C28N steel blade is truly a hunting enthusiast’s delight.

Kershaw Ken Onion Blur Folding Knife

You have the option of going with either a smooth or serrated blade and either ways, the 3.375 inch blade is ideal for extreme outdoor situations. The anodized light weight aluminium handle has a good grip that won’t give way even under slippery conditions.

For $55, this tactical knife is a great steal considering the amazing build quality and fast assisted opening. The perfect folding knife for all your hunting and tactical activities.

Key Specs & Features:

Blade: 3.375 inch length, Sandvik 14C28N steel blade, DLC black coating

Handle: 4.5 inch length, Speed Safe assisted opening, removable pocket clip

Weight: 3.9 ounces

6. Buck Knives 0102 Woodsman Fixed Blade Knife

We’re halfway down this list of the best hunting knife under $100 and there’s another Buck on this list (third and final one). This time it’s the Buck Knives 0102 Woodsman Fixed Blade Knife and at less than $40, you’ll be hard pressed to find a cheaper high quality knife.

Buck Knives 0102 Woodsman Fixed Blade Knife

The 4 inch long blade is made from 420 HC steel and offers excellent edge retention, which is a quality shared by most Buck blades. This is a full tang knife that has a finger guard integrated into the handle and features an aluminium pommel. It’s great for field dressing deer and the shape of the knife really helps in that aspect.

It comes with a leather sheath that has a plastic liner so you don’t need to worry about it getting all wet during rains. I’ve even used it for gutting chicken and rabbits and it performed remarkably well even with smaller game. One of my most trusted hunting tools ever!

Key Specs & Features:

Blade: 4 inch length, 420 HC steel blade, Made in USA, Buck Forever Warranty

Handle: 3.75 inch length, black phenolic handle, genuine leather sheath

Weight: 2.8 ounces

7. Puma Coyote Stag Handle Blade Hunting Knife

In at #7 on this list of the Top 10 Hunting Knives under $100 is the Puma Coyote – an 8 inch long knife with a blade length of 3.8 inches. The first and most impressive thing that you’ll notice about this knife is the stunningly beautiful Stag handle that feature brass finger guards and brass lined lanyard holes.

Puma Coyote Stag Handle Blade Hunting Knife

Made from 440A German manufactured steel, this blade has been an old hunting favourite of mine that I’ve used for skinning and field dressing. It’s a great drop point blade to own with a great edge and you’ll surely consider this as one of the best fleshing knives in the market once you get down to skinning whitetail deer capes.

It comes with a leather sheath, which honestly isn’t one of the best but is good enough to use and is durable. All in all, a great hunting tool to buy when your budget is in the range of $75-$100

Key Specs & Features:

Blade: 3.8 inch length, 4 40A German steel with stag scales, HRC 55-57

Handle: 4.2 inch long handle, leather sheath, handmade

Weight: 4.3 ounces

8. Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro Knife

One of the most famous hunting and survival knives in the world, thanks to the legendary Bear Grylls, this knife had to make it on this list. This is a full tang knife made from 9CR19MoV premium steel and has an overall length of 10 inches with the blade measuring 4.8 inches.

It comes with a fire starter mounted within the sheath so it’s a great boon for all those who intend on camping out in the wild. There’s also an emergency lanyard whistle which thankfully, I’ve never had to use but is definitely comforting to have around. Gerber is an extremely reputed knife manufacturer and they’ve combined their world class manufacturing skills with the legendary survival skill of Bear Grylls to create this masterpiece.

Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro Knife

The knife really feels solid and balanced in my hands. The original survival knife had a 3/4 tang design but this new one is a full tang construction and it’s a good upgrade on the tang and pommel. However, it is not MOLLE compatible which is a bit of a turn off to me but the ferrocerium fire starter sure makes up for this.

Priced at just under $100, the Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro is a blade worth buying!

Key Specs & Features:

Blade: 4.8 inch length, 9CR19MoV premium steel, drop point blade, great for filleting

Handle: 5.2 inch length, no serrations, full tang, comes with a ferrocerium fire starter

Weight: 13.7 ounces

9. Puma Elk Hunter Stag Handle Hunting Knife

We’re almost to the end of this list and making its way in at #9 is the Puma Elk Hunter Stag Handle Hunting Knife. This 440A German manufactured SGB fixed blade tool is 4.2 inches long with stag handles that are similar to the Puma Coyote that I covered earlier.

The hardness is about 55-57 on the Rockwell scale and the overall knife length is 8.5 inches. It comes with a leather sheath that is beautiful to look at and does the job admirably well. There’s also a lifetime warranty but it’s only for the original owner that’s why I recommend that you buy a new one on Amazon where it’s available for a discounted price of less than $100.

Puma Elk Hunter Stag Handle Hunting Knife

The blade is ground to a fine edge but is quite thick and you’ll appreciate that once you’re driving this through the rib cage of a deer or a similar animal. All in all, a great knife that adheres to high quality German manufacturing.

Key Specs & Features:

Blade: 4.2 inch length, 440A German steel, 55-57 HRC

Handle: 4.3 inch length, full tang, leather sheath with stag handles

Weight: 6.7 ounces

10. Gerber Gator Premium Fixed Blade Knife

Finally, we’ve reached the end of this list that aims to help you choose the best hunting knife under $100 and at #10 is another old favourite of mine – the Gerber Gator, which is one of the most famous survival knives in the world.

This premium blade is made from S30V steel and has excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. It’s an original Made in the USA hunting tool that comes with a high rubberized grip for all those wet conditions. The sheath is a nice black leather one and is again made in the USA.

Gerber Gator Premium Fixed Blade Knife

It’s extremely sharp and I found that out first hand while using it on two large hogs. There’s also a bolster that helps protect your hand from sliding up on the knife and accidentally cutting yourself.

For less than 100 dollars, this knife is a dream come true for anyone who is serious about hunting game like deer, elk or hogs. Highly recommended from me personally!

Key Specs & Features:

Blade: 4 inch length, S30V steel, drop point blade, 0.75 inch thickness at the spine

Handle: 4.8 inch length, full tang, Gator Grip, US made leather sheath

Weight: 6.9 ounces

More Hunting Knives Under $100?

Well, I’m pretty confident by now that you would have made up your mind with regards to choosing the best hunting knife under 100 dollars after going through my exhaustive list. I also do understand that there might have been a great knife that I might have omitted or missed so if that’s the case, please drop me a note and I’ll try and have this list updated.

Till then, here are some great videos that feature some of the above hunting tools and which I think you will find useful